To support community wellness in South Pacific County through active collaborations

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the WellSpring Asset Builder for May. Meredith Payton, Pacific County Mentoring Coordinator, was at the WellSpring Coalition meeting on May 13, 2014 to accept the award. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a nation-wide non-profit organization that began offering services in Pacific County two years ago. Big Brothers Big Sisters aims to help children realize their potential and help build successful futures by matching and encouraging meaningful relationships between mentors and youth.

Studies have shown that youth who participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters are less likely to use drugs and alcohol, less likely to skip school, and less likely to fight in school. Mentors, or "Bigs," meet with their "Little" once a week at the school for an hour. Currently there are 26 "Bigs" and "Littles" matched in our local schools, with ages of individuals involved ranging from 6 to 76 years of age. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters or how to get involved, contact Meredith Payton at (360) 783-1091.